A/N: Hello everyone! Finally, a long awaited chapter. I HATE THIS CHAPTER SO MUCH OMG AND YOU GUYS ARE ALSO GOING TO HATE ME BUT I JUST DON'T KNOW THIS STORY HAD TO HAVE A CLIMAX AND THIS IS IT AND I REALLY HOPE YOU DIDN'T TAKE ANY BREATHS WHILE READING THIS SENTENCE. It's a lot shorter than the last few. Please appreciate that I've never written anything like this chapter, so don't be too harsh because it is absolutely terrible. Okay, I would say enjoy, but it's such a horrible chapter that it would feel inappropriate :'( Much love xo

Disclaimer: Meh. I don't own anything you recognise.

Chapter 11-Scars

"Marlene, there you are! I've been looking all over for you!" James approached Marlene, who was sitting on a bench overlooking the lake, "Marley…are you okay? Has Sirius done something to upset you? I swear to god I'll kill him…"
"It wasn't Sirius. I overreacted," Marlene admitted, as James sat down beside her, "They should be here, Jamie. My mum…my dad. My brothers and my sister. They shouldn't have to hide away. They should be here, surrounded by their family and their friends. Happy. Mother should be nagging me to do something with my hair, and my father should be lecturing me on the importance of not getting distracted in my schoolwork because it would upset mother. I love staying with you, I really do. But I miss my family. I don't like not knowing if I'm ever going to see them again."
"I'm sorry, Marls," James sighed, pulling her into a hug, "I wish I could do something but-"
"You can't. I know, James. It's alright…really, it is."
"But it's not, is it?" James suddenly looked angry, "It's not fair that people have to live in fear. It's not right. No-one should have the right to strike so much fear into people's hearts that most can't even say his name. It's not okay, and I don't want to sit back and watch it happen. Innocent people are losing their lives, and if they're not, their families are. Or they're forced away from their families to go into hiding. Or they're bloody muggles who have no idea what they're even up against!"
"James, please calm down," Marlene urged, "Let's just forget all of that tonight. Let's just have a good night, because it might be the last one for a while."
James clenched his fists, breathing deeply, before nodding, "Okay. Yes. You're right. Want to dance with me?"
"Of course," Marlene smiled in relief, glad that James didn't seem as angry. He rarely got angry, just like his father, and when he did, just like his father, it was a terrifying sight. James stood and bowed, offering Marlene his hand, "Milady." Marlene laughed and allowed her childhood friend to twirl her around the dance floor, just as they used to. The whole time though, Marlene was conscious of James seeking out Lily over her shoulder. Once the song was over, Marlene rolled her eyes.
"Go on. Ask her to dance. I'll be fine," James looked at her, "Seriously James, there is no limit to the guys that want a dance with Marlene McKinnon tonight."
James broke out into a grin, hugging her swiftly, "Thanks Marls."
"Good luck!" Marlene called loudly after him, as he cut across the ballroom.
"McKinnon-" Sirius said from behind her.
"I overreacted," Marlene admitted, sucking in a breath and turning to face him, "It was me, Black, not you, alright?"
Sirius smirked, "How hard was it for you to admit that?"
"Harder than I care to share," Marlene's green eyes twinkled.
"I'm glad that you admitted it," Sirius took a step close to her, his breath tickling her forehead, "I was almost worried. I know how crazy chicks can get."
"There is very few things more derogatory to woman than calling her a 'chick'." Marlene glared.
Sirius trailed his index finger across her cheek, softly, "Don't do that. It might stick like that and your pretty little face would be ruined." The contact burnt tingles into the place where he touched.
"A dance perhaps?" Sirius suggested. Not waiting for a reply, he circled an arm around Marlene's waist, and linked his other hand through hers. Marlene, speechless, placed a hand on his shoulder and moved with him, in time to the music. They danced past James and Lily, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Marlene smiled, before turning her attention to her partner.
"I must say, you look rather dashing tonight, Mr. Black," Marlene blinked up at him through her dark eyelashes, her tone light and flirtatious.
"Why thank you Miss. McKinnon. You look rather nice yourself."
"Just nice?" Marlene simpered, biting her lip as Sirius lead her into a dip, "Many other men have said I look…beautiful." Marlene was back at her normal height of five foot eight, a good few inches below Sirius.
"Well I'm not many other men, Miss. McKinnon," Sirius stated, but Marlene could see her attempts at flirting were working. He looked a little uncomfortable.
"Oh really…?" Marlene breathed, her eyelashes fluttering, "So…if I was to kiss you right now, you wouldn't oblige?"
"You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't I?" Marlene questioned innocently. She found herself being dragged out of the balcony doors, down the stairs and into a secluded part of the garden, Sirius holding onto her hand tightly. When they were away from the crowds, Sirius turned to face her.
"Don't tease me, Marlene," Sirius looked down at her, his tone low and gruff.
"Who said I was teasing?" Marlene smirked, grabbing his face and pulling him down to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate embrace, but it wasn't tender. It was hungry and desperate, like it was something both had been deprived of a very long time. Marlene quickly granted Sirius entrance, as his hands entangled in her hair, and their tongues fought for dominance. The kiss seemed to last a lifetime, tingles running up and down Marlene's spine. Her stomach was on fire. Her head felt like it was about to explode. Both pulled away breathless, a smile playing on the edges of Sirius' lips.
"What was with the sudden change of heart?"
Marlene smirked, "Wanted to see if you were worth the hype." She turned and started to walk back towards the balcony steps.
"And was I?" Sirius called after her.
"I've had better," Marlene shrugged. It was only she, who knew she was lying through her teeth.

Sirius was sulking. Sitting by the drinks, a frown etched across his face, the boy refused a dance with every girl that asked him. Coming over, exhilarated from his evening with Lily.
"Hey mate!" James beamed, "Just getting some drinks for me and Lily…wait. You don't look very happy. Things with Marlene not going very well?"
"Brilliant," Sirius replied honestly.
"Then what's up?" James frowned, sitting next to his best friend.
"She kissed me!"
"Well she can't be that bad of a kisser. I mean, when I kissed her-"
"Wait, you kissed Marlene?"
"Well yeah…it was the summer after our first year. We were both twelve and hadn't kissed anyone before and wanted to try it. So we thought we'd just kiss each other because it was better to do it with someone we trusted. What I'm trying say is, it wasn't the worst kiss I've ever had and Marlene has had a lot of practice since then."
"She was an amazing kisser!" Sirius sighed, "But she said I wasn't the best kisser!"
"Well she's kissed me," James teased, "Nah, in all seriousness mate, she was probably just bluffing. You know what Marlene's like."
"But there was more."
"Yeah?"
"I want to kiss her again."
"So?"
"I've never wanted to kiss a girl again."
"But you have."
"Only because they've come to kiss me."
"Maybe she will? It was only tonight, Pads."
"She won't."
"How do you know?"
"Because she stopped it. She walked away."
"Why are you so bothered about this? It's just Marlene," James shrugged.
"I don't know."
"Look…I'm gonna leave you now. I've been waiting for Evans to dance with me my whole life. Now-"
"Just go mate," Sirius sighed, "It's fine."

When the doorbell of Potter Manor rang midball, everyone was surprised. Mr. Potter hastily told everyone to continue dancing. He and his wife would answer it. Obviously, James wanted to follow his parents, as did Sirius, so Lily and Marlene found themselves waiting a little way behind Mr. and Mrs. Potter, all of them with their wands drawn. When they finally did open the door, they were surprised to see who was standing there. Silent shock rippled through the hallway as all eyes locked on the terrified form of Regulus Black.
"Reg, what are you doing here?" Sirius finally spoke. Everyone's gaze flickered from Sirius back to Regulus.
"Sirius, I had to come!" Regulus gushed, "I had to warn you! They're coming here. The death eaters are attacking the ball tonight. They've found a way to penetrate the wards. They'll be preparing right now. I wish I had came sooner but I didn't have the chance…there's no time," Regulus looked pleading, "Please…prepare yourselves as much as you can with the little notice I've given you."

Silence.

"Why are you doing this, Regulus?" Sirius finally roared, "Are you an idiot? Stupid? You chose their side! You're going to get yourself killed! Get back there before those pathetic excuses of parents realize you're gone and kill you!"
"Sirius, you don't understand. They'll be here any second, and they're taking no prisoners tonight."
"Go home," Sirius turned away.
"Thank you for alerting us, Mr. Black," Mr. Potter said, calmly, "It was a very brave and noble thing to do. Loretta, please go and inform the guests of this news so that proper action can be taken to get any children or fragile persons into safety. James, Lily, Marlene, Sirius, find your friends, and inform them of the situation so they can prepare themselves, presuming that they want to fight. If you see any children when the death eaters arrive, disillusion them if you can. No-one has to lose their lives tonight, especially not ones so young. Young Mr. Black, it isn't too late to turn back. I, along with the other aurors, can offer you protection if you do so wish to take another path."
"You are too late."
"Very well. Then I second my son's opinion, and suggest you hurry home while you still can. If you're quick, they may not even realize you left." Regulus nodded and retreated through the door. Sirius briefly wondered how he'd got here and got home, but his thoughts hardly lingered on his brother for more than a second. Everyone had already moved. Mr. Potter called the order, and emergency aurors to come as back up. Lily and Marlene were struggling to maneuver through the panicking crowds in their large dresses.
"Fuck this," Marlene muttered, quickly fixing her skirt with her wand so she was wearing a shorter number.
"That was such a beautiful dress!" Lily cried, as Marlene did the same to hers.
"Do you want to come out of this alive or not? We need to be agile!"
"We could've changed!"
"No time, Lily," Marlene snapped, grabbing Emmeline from Remus' arms. "Time to decide Em. If you want to go home, now's your chance. If you stay, you'll have to fight."
"I'm fighting," Emmeline nodded, her big blue eyes wide and frightened.
"As am I," Remus said.
"Don't leave my side," James grabbed Lily's wrist.
"What? Why? Potter I'm a perfectly capable dueller!"
"You're a muggle born."
"What's that sup-"
"It means that you're no less magical than I am, but unlike me, you have a massive target above your head flashing out 'kill me'. Trust me on this one, Evans, please," James pleaded with her. Lily opened her mouth and closed it again, before nodding.
"I'm still fighting, Potter."
"I know you are," James sighed, hesitating before planting a quick kiss on her forehead, "If you get hurt tonight Lily, I don't know what I'll do okay? So don't leave my side, and please…please be careful."
"Sorry to break up this lovely little moment but…I think they've arrived!" Marlene said urgently. Sure enough, screams were emerging from the families that hadn't gotten out quick enough.
"Emmeline and I will disillusion any children we find," Remus said.
"And find them places to hide," Emmeline nodded.
"Go!" Marlene was taking no nonsense.
"Oh look who it is!" A shrill voice made Sirius wince, "My daaaaarling cousin and his blood traitor friends. Oh and a mudblood? She's a new one!"
"It's been a while Bella," Sirius said, dryly.
"I'm married now, don't you know?" Bellatrix said, waving her left hand in the air, "Didn't think to invite you."
"Poor guy," Sirius' eyes were mocking. Marlene was busy dueling with Avery, a Slytherin in her year, but her ears were pricking up at the exchange.
"You'll pay for that, you little traitor," Bellatrix's voice pierced the room, "Crucio!"
"Sirius!" Marlene screamed, quickly stunning Avery before falling to the writhing boy's side. The look on his face was pain like no other. He was screaming, tears running down his contorted cheeks.
"Oooooh, has my little cuz got himself a girlfriend?" Bellatrix stepped dangerously close to Marlene, trailing a long, painted black fingernail down her cheek, tracing the lines on her neck, "Quite the stunner too. Must be a McKinnon."
"You disgust me," Marlene spat, bringing up her wand and throwing a few hexes at the older girl.
Bellatrix merely cackled, "You must be delusional if you think you can beat me, dear!" Marlene put up a good fight for a while, but she was soon growing tired. Her shield charms were not as powerful. Things were not going well.
"Time for me to take something of Sirius'. Say goodbye to your life, girly. Avad-" Suddenly, out of nowhere, Sirius popped up.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Bellatrix's wand shot into his hand, the green sparks which had started to shoot out of it dispersing quickly.
"I'm impressed. Quick thinking," Bellatrix smirked.
"STUPEFY!" Sirius suddenly stunned her, "Run, McKinnon. Go," He urged the girl beside him, "Find James. Get out of here, before she wakes up."
"What about you?" Marlene panicked.
"I'll be fine."
"Promise me, Black. Promise me you'll still be alive at the end of the night."
Sirius hesitated, "I promise." Marlene threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. She kissed his cheek once before running back into the chaos. It wasn't long before she found James and Lily, facing a death eater together. Lily's arm was bleeding and she had a cut on her forehead, James was covered in dirt and dust. His dress robes had been discarded, and his shirt was ripped. His glasses were askew, but he kept on fighting. Marlene was about to help, when she was pressed up against the wall.
"A pretty girl like you shouldn't be on her own in these…dangerous times," The man who held her snarled. Marlene recognized him instantly from the Wanted posters. Fenrir Greyback. A shiver ran up her spine.
"Scared, darlin'? I would be." His breath fanned across her face, an unpleasant stench. His teeth were black, with the exception of his canines, which were sharp and pointed. His eyes were deranged and his mask seemed to have been discarded long ago.
"I like myself, a pretty girl I do. Although, you won't be recognizable once I'm done with you…" Suddenly, Greyback's weight was thrown off of her and James was in his place, his hazel eyes dark and furious. Lily quickly joined the fight, as the three of them attempted to duel Greyback, but he was soon backed up by more death eaters. Marlene screamed out as Lily was thrown to the floor and a death eater started carving the word 'Mudblood' into her arm. Trying desparately to throw a shield charm in front of her friend, Marlene ended up falling into the path of another death eater, who shot an unknown curse at her. Everything went black but her head was spinning and white flashing lights clouded her vision. Through her discomfort, she still considered James and how he was coping. She was sure it would drive her insane-lying there unable to do anything-but she soon found strong arms lifting her limp body from the ground. She was drifting in and out of consciousness, she knew that. Every limb in her body had started to ache. There was a fire burning at the pit of her stomach. Even though the curse had dimmed, bright white lights still pierced her vision. It was definitely fading though, as she could now make out shapes. As she tried to blink the lights away, tears fell down her cheeks. The salt in them was irritating the cuts on her face. She nestled into the strong arms that carried her. She didn't know who he was. He could've been a death eater for all she cared. All she knew that he was dulling the pain.

"James! Oh James!" Mrs. Potter's voice brought Marlene around.
"Mum! Oh Merlin, you're okay!" It wasn't James that was holding her then.
"Oh my goodness, the girls…what's happened to them? This is so terrible…Merlin, please tell me they're alive!" Lily was in a bad state too? This made Marlene try to escape the mystery arms.
"Her arm…oh her arm!" Mrs. Potter was now definitely sobbing, "James put her down. I need to try to fix this before it scars! Oh she's lost so much blood…I can't believe this has happened. Let me try to fix this." Marlene could hear Mrs. Potter muttering a few healing charms under her breath.
"It's too late, isn't it?" James' voice sound forlorn, "It will scar now, even if she wakes up." Marlene so badly wanted to speak, but she couldn't. She tried to move again, but instead yelped out in pain.
"McKinnon?" It was Sirius. Sirius was holding her, "Marlene can you hear me? Are you alright?"
"B-Black-" Marlene croaked in response, "Let me down. I have to see Lily."
"I will in a moment..."
"I've managed to stop the bleeding James, but I can't say whether or not it will scar just yet…do any of you know what happened to Marlene?"
"Someone hit her with an unknown curse…she was lying dead still but her face was contorted…"
"We just have to hope she'll be okay with some rest. There doesn't seem to be much physical damage as she can speak."
"What about Lily?" James asked, "Mum, is Lily going to be okay?"
"I don't think she lost too much blood. She should come around within a few hours," Mrs. Potter sounded tearful, "You may not feel it but you four are so lucky. It could've been so much worse."
"Where's dad?" James suddenly seemed to notice Mr. Potter's absence.
"James I'm not sure if now is the best time-"
"Where is he? What's happened?"
"James…I…your father was killed."

A/N: *hides under bed*